Asheville's Spring Excitement: Coats, Activism, and Costco on the Horizon

Good morning, this is your Asheville Local Frequency for Saturday, April 19th.

We are waking up to a gorgeous spring weekend, with sunny skies and a high near 86 expected today, so make those outdoor plans count. Downtown Asheville is buzzing with activity as the 13th Annual Spring Clean Coat Drive continues. If you have gently used coats taking up space, drop them off at participating locations to keep your neighbors warm next fall and winter. Organizers tell us this drive is more crucial than ever, so your donation truly makes a difference.

For anyone looking to get more engaged in local issues, Pack Square Park is hosting the People’s Town Hall for Liberty and Activism Fair from noon to 2pm. This is your opportunity to hear questions from community members, connect with local advocacy groups, and find ways to get involved in the causes that matter to Asheville. Even though our members of Congress are not expected to attend, organizers say citizens’ voices and questions will still take center stage. Plus, the Activism Fair behind the amphitheater brings together groups across Asheville who are eager to welcome new volunteers and ideas.

Music lovers, last night Pack Square Park rang in the new season of Downtown After 5 with some local roots rockers. If you missed it, keep an eye out for more live shows scheduled throughout the spring. And speaking of music, the N.C. Central University Marching Sound Machine wowed crowds at the Asheville High football field Thursday night—a sign that big sounds and lively performances are fully back on the calendar.

In news impacting city travel, a sinkhole that closed an intersection earlier this week has now been repaired, so traffic flow should be back to normal in that area. Meanwhile, wildfires continue to burn across parts of western North Carolina, with crews working hard to contain the Bee Rock Creek Fire, which now exceeds 500 acres. If you’re heading out for a hike or camping trip this weekend, officials urge caution, as fire danger remains elevated throughout the region.

Finally, after years of speculation, Asheville is one step closer to getting its very own Costco. City officials have received plans for a store at Enka Commerce Park, a development that could mean new shopping options and jobs for the region. We’ll keep you posted as that story develops.

That’s your Saturday in Asheville—a blend of community spirit, live music, and sunshine. This has been Asheville Local Frequency. We’ll see you tomorrow with more local updates.